Lost in thought, Rei found himself standing before the cake shop.
A long queue had already formed at the entrance. Among those waiting stood Sedene, Lady Furina's assistant.
Her small face was etched with worry as she rose on tiptoe from time to time, clearly anxious she might miss out on the small cakes Furina loved so dearly.
Rei walked up, greeted Sedene, and then walked straight to the window at the front of the shop.
Upon seeing Rei, the owner of the cake shop instantly piled a smile onto his face. He obsequiously took out the small cakes, which had long been meticulously packaged under the counter, and handed them into Rei's hands.
This scene caused a ripple of frowns among the customers in line, dissatisfied grumbling rising and falling through the crowd.
Other than a brief apology, the owner gave no further explanation.
Though this might cost him a few customers, it was far better than offending Rei.
For a small shop like his, maintaining good relations with the Gardes who oversaw public security was most important.
Otherwise, the Gardes could simply find some excuse regarding "safety hazards" and force the shop to suspend business for rectification.
After accepting the cake, Rei did not head to the Palais Mermonia immediately. Instead, he ambled over to an open-air café not far away and found a seat with an excellent view.
He sipped his coffee at leisure, his gaze drifting back to the cake shop from time to time.
After a while, Rei saw Sedene leave the cake shop, her head bowed in dejection.
Only then did he slowly stand up, cake in hand, and walk toward the Palais Mermonia.
Approximately half an hour later, Rei stepped into the Palais Mermonia.
As soon as he entered, he noticed the staff in the hall eyeing him with strange looks.
It was no surprise—his outrageous behavior in the conference room that morning had already become the talk of the entire Palais.
Rei acted as if he hadn't noticed their stares, walking straight to the elevator and taking it to the top floor.
Emerging from the elevator, he saw two guards with haughty expressions.
"Vice Captain Rei, here to deliver more small cakes to Lady Furina?"
One of the guards stepped forward, a fake smile that barely existed hanging on his face, and asked.
Rei returned an equally insincere smile. "Yes. Lady Furina is the greatest god in the world. When I was lost, she gave me immense help. Now that I've become a Vice Captain of the Gardes, it's only natural I show my gratitude and repay her properly."
The guard waved his hand casually. "Then hurry on in. Sedene just happened to miss out on buying cakes."
Rei nodded slightly, turned, and walked toward Furina's suite.
As soon as his figure disappeared around the corner, the other guard spat on the ground with a face full of disdain. "Hmph, an absolute bootlicker! If it weren't for his good luck in gaining Lady Furina's favor, he wouldn't even be able to get into the Gardes."
The guard who had asked shook his head. "For a down-and-out outlander to become a Vice Captain of the Gardes... it's not as simple as you think. There are tens of thousands eager to curry favor with Lady Furina, but he's the only one willing to throw away all pride."
By this time, Rei had arrived in front of the suite and gently pressed the doorbell.
After quite a while, the door slowly opened.
A young girl with fine features stood in front of him.
She wore a nice dress and looked very elegant.
However, the slight flatness of her chest was somewhat regrettable.
Rei bowed slightly and smiled. "Lady Furina, you are amazing. It's always nice to see you."
Upon hearing this, a brilliant smile blossomed on Furina's face, and the playful cowlick atop her head perked up high in excitement.
She placed her hands on her hips, her skirt swaying with her movements, and responded in a tone even more exaggerated than Rei's.
"As you can see with your own eyes, this Goddess is just that transcendent and great! Your loyalty, I see it all. Speak, my loyal subject—what prayer do you bring on this visit?"
Rei nodded at the appropriate moment, his face full of reverence. "Your wisdom loses nothing to the all-knowing and all-powerful God of Wisdom. I do indeed have a small prayer."
At these words, Furina's smile froze and her expression grew a bit awkward. "I... I've consumed a vast amount of divine power recently; I may not be able to grant your wish."
The corners of Rei's mouth curled into a perfectly measured smile as he raised the beautifully packaged small cake in his hand. "Please accept this small cake. That is my small prayer."
Furina stared blankly at the cake, an indescribable ripple stirring within her heart.
A thousand words rushed to her heart, yet she didn't know where to begin. In the end, they transformed into a slightly stiff sentence: "Thank you!"
Rei stepped inside, gently placed the cake on the table, and unwrapped the packaging.
"This Goddess is in a wonderful mood today and has decided to personally brew you a cup of coffee! Rejoice! This is a grace you won't encounter in a thousand years!"
Furina's tone was high-pitched, her entire being radiating a glow of confidence.
Rei hurriedly stepped into his role, replying in a very respectful tone, "I am grateful for your grace; this is the glory of my life!"
Furina nodded in satisfaction, then turned and practically skipped into the kitchen to brew the coffee.
Before long, she brought over a cup of coffee that emitted a rich aroma.
"Taste it! You'll surely be intoxicated!"
As she spoke, Furina looked at Rei with a face full of anticipation.
Rei took the cup and sipped lightly.
Under her nervous gaze, Rei's face lit up in exaggerated surprise and delight. "Lady Furina, this is the best coffee I've ever tasted!"
A flower-like smile bloomed on Furina's fair face. "From now on, whenever you visit, I will brew you a cup of coffee."
The corner of Rei's mouth twitched slightly as he wailed internally.
In truth, he didn't like Furina's coffee at all; it was sickeningly sweet.
Just one sip felt like swallowing a mouthful of white sugar.
In that moment, Rei deeply missed the clear tea Chiori used to brew for him.
Even so, his face remained fixed in a sincere smile. "Lady Furina, thank you so much!"
After saying that, he raised the cup again and took a large gulp.
Seeing this, Furina smiled until her eyes curved, just like crescent moons.